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July 14, 2025

Is It Time to Replace or Repair Your Car? Here’s How to Decide

We all come up against the question of whether it’s time to replace or repair our vehicles. But how to decide?

There are a lot of factors to consider.

And your mechanic can help.

If possible, it’s important to have your car tune-ups and regular vehicle maintenance performed by a trusted auto mechanic shop with you and your vehicle’s best interests at heart.

Having a local garage like Stewart’s Donnybrook Automotive in Tyler, Texas, perform the repairs and maintenance to your car, truck, or SUV, means you’re getting the benefit of car repair services in Tyler that are tailored to your unique vehicle and situation.

Regular maintenance and engine diagnostics with a dependable mechanic like Stewart’s can help increase the lifespan of your car as well as save you money when you don’t need to buy a new one.

Choosing the best auto mechanic who will provide you with experienced car problem solutions helps save you money on your vehicle in the long term.

Here are a few questions to consider when it comes to whether you should replace or repair your car:

Is the cost of repairing your car less than the monthly payments for a new one?

When you speak with your mechanic about your vehicle, ask them what the cost of repairs would be. Your auto mechanic should give you an honest breakdown of what is required for your car repair and if it’s worth it to have it fixed or whether it would be more cost effective to buy a new car.

Once you know how much it will cost to repair your car you can determine if the cost of repairing your car is less than the monthly payments for a new one.

Do you have a car that requires expensive replacement parts?

It’s one thing when your car repair means the cost of standard repair and whatever hourly rate your mechanic charges.

But it’s another thing when you own a vehicle that requires specialty parts. Obtaining hard-to-get parts can be time-consuming and expensive. If you have a car that’s costing you extra time and money each time it needs repairing, it might be a good idea to think about an upgrade.

(We understand some people are attached to a certain make or model. Your mechanic, as well as researching the long-term cost of maintaining your vehicle vs. paying monthly payments for a new one should be able to help you make the decision.)

What is your current vehicle worth? Are you needing to repair it often?

In terms of finding out how much your vehicle is worth, there are many online resources that can help you go about that. Once you find out that number you can compare it to how much you’ve been spending on repairs. Then calculate the monthly cost of payments for a new vehicle. Comparing these costs should help give you an idea of whether repairing your current vehicle or buying a new one would be most beneficial.

How often do you drive your car?

If you don’t drive often, it might be worth it to keep your current vehicle and have it maintained by a trusted East Texas mechanic than invest in an expensive new car.

If you drive a lot whether traveling or commuting, and you’re finding yourself fixing your current vehicle more and more, it might be a good idea to investigate what the cost of a new, low-mileage vehicle would cost vs. the repairs on your current vehicle.

Here are a few other things to consider:

Safety

Especially if your vehicle is used to transport your family or other passengers, safety is crucial. Are you concerned about the safety of your current car, truck, or SUV? Are you confident in repairs that are being made and sure that when you’re out on the road that your vehicle is in top working condition?

If not, it might be time to invest in a new car.

This is another good example of a time to talk to a trusted mechanic who can give you an honest answer about whether they feel your vehicle is going to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.

How is the body of your vehicle?

While the look of a vehicle isn’t important to everyone, it can make a difference. If you have an older vehicle that’s not looking its’ best and you’re interested in driving something more up to date, it might be a good time to look into purchasing something new.

On the other hand, if you’re interested in holding onto your current vehicle, speak to your local mechanic about what repair options might be available for you.

If you aren’t in the market for a new vehicle, here are some signs it’s time to take your vehicle to the mechanic for repairs:

  • If you’re breaking down a lot. Breakdowns shouldn’t happen often. If you’ve experienced more than one in a short period of time, it’s crucial to get your car repaired as soon as possible.
  • Is your car making strange noises? If you can’t immediately diagnose and fix the noise your car is making it’s important to get it in to a local garage for repairs.
  • Have you recently experienced big life-changes such as a move and longer commute, having children, or just needing a more reliable and fuel-efficient vehicle for any number of reasons? If so, having your vehicle inspected, maintained, and repaired if necessary is important.

While deciding whether to repair your current vehicle or get a new one is a big decision, you shouldn’t have to make it alone. Contact your local mechanic today and get the answers you need.

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